HEXHAM got their Northern Alliance Division One season off to a flyer with a confident 3-0 win away to Hebburn Town U23 on Saturday.

Despite torrential rain across the North-East, the weather was a little kinder at Mountbatten Avenue, where the game went ahead on an artificial surface.

The visitors gave debuts to a pair of teenage summer signings. Corbridge youngster Alex Hannant played the right side of a back three, while John Eslender, from Cramlington, played in central midfield.

That enabled Will Forsyth to move into the number 10 role, behind striker Dylan Mabunu.

Both sides started brightly, but after 15 minutes, Hexham were were enjoying plenty of possession, and were using the ball well.

On 20 minutes, a free-kick just outside the penalty area provided the opportunity for dead-ball specialist Forsyth to open his account for the new campaign.

And with a sweeping breeze in his side’s favour, he found the top corner from over 20 yards, from a position just left of centre.

Despite several threats from Hebburn, the visitors remained in control, and doubled their advantage on 38 minutes in clinical fashion.

A clearance upfield from Tom Craney was ran onto by the pacey Mabunu, who weaved his way past a defender before lobbing the ball neatly over the goalkeeper.

Hexham went into half time two goals to the good, but they were made to work after the break. A good spell from the hosts saw Town put pressure on Hexham, but the back line held firm.

On 74 minutes, Mabunu ran onto another high ball, and was brought down in the penalty area. Forsyth stepped forward to take the resulting spot kick, and placed the ball low to the goalkeeper’s right to make it 3-0.

The scoreline effectively sealed the game for Hexham, who went on to use all five of their allocated substitutes, including teenage right wing back Calum Armstrong. After a busy pre-season, there was little time for the players to bask in the glory of their opening day success.

For on Wednesday night, they are due to host Bedlington FC in another league encounter. They will be at home again on Saturday, against Red Row Welfare.